The treatment for Thyroid Cancer is first to remove your thyroid; done and done. Then after that you take radioactive iodine to kill the remaining cancer and thyroid cells.
When we first talked to the doctor about it being cancer I asked, "What if it has spread?" He said, "Well that 's the definition of cancer; it spreads." Yes thank you, my fears are not calmed at all. That is what the radioactive iodine is for, to kill the remaining cancer cells that might have traveled somewhere else in my body.
When we first talked to the doctor about it being cancer I asked, "What if it has spread?" He said, "Well that 's the definition of cancer; it spreads." Yes thank you, my fears are not calmed at all. That is what the radioactive iodine is for, to kill the remaining cancer cells that might have traveled somewhere else in my body.
On Wednesday we went to McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden so that I could drink the Radioactive Iodine. We went in and I went into a 'special' room where it was. It was in a glass vial in like a paint can filled with metal and the vial was in the middle. So I drank it with a straw and then she added more water to the vial and I drank that and then I left. As I was leaving the alarm went off and so I stopped and she said, oh that's just you, you're fine. That was crazy! I was like, OK so I am radioactive now, great.
I found this t-shirt that I wish I had bought before my treatment; very appropriate. Get it? Hot with a radioactive sign?
As we were leaving the hospital I had to stay away from everyone, including Kevin. I sat in the 3rd row, on a sheet, in the Pathfinder. Kevin did offer to put a foam pad in the back of the truck for me but I declined.
When I got home it was to my room and to my seclusion/isolation. Kevin has to sleep in another room and use the other bathroom since the radioactivity is passed through my body fluid. Apparently when you sleep you sweat more than you know. Also I have to stay 7 feet away from people for 3 days. In the first few days it was important to drink a lot and then the radioactivity passes out of my system.
No I do not glow, as many have asked, sorry. It makes my neck sore because that is where most of my thyroid cells are, it makes me tired, but that's about it. It has not been so bad at all. I think I am easily entertained. As far as cancer treatments go, this one is not bad.
I miss the girls but I talk to them several times a day. They are having a good time so that makes it easier to be away from them. My mom has taken them to the library, a magic show, school shopping, out to lunch, the park, and today they are having a tea party with their aunts. How fun does that sound? Mom you are the best, thank you! 
Kevin has kept busy with work and golf. He has been so nice to take care of me, but I think it has been nice for him too. He gets to do basically what he wants because he can't be around me and the girls are gone; so golf it is.
My family and friends have, as always, been amazing. They have brought me lunch and dinner, cookies and treats, movies and magazines, books and diet cokes. My Mom and Dad got together this whole care package of all my favorite junk food, magazines, movies. How nice are they? My parents neighbors that I grew up with did the same. I just feel so blessed. I know I have said it before, but I have to say it again: I live in the best neighborhood in the world and I have the best friends; they are just the best. Thank you!
I think every mom needs a little alone time, quiet time, leisure time, right? And I intend to enjoy it.
5 comments:
Candace, Betsy told me what you are going through and I am so sorry. Cancer is such a scary thing but it sounds like you have a great attitude and tons of support. I wish you all of the best and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. For now, enjoy the radioative vacation!! Moms need a little break once in a while-- it just makes us appreciate the kids that much more!
I'm glad your treatment went okay. Thanks for the updates.
So glad to see a post, I've been dying to hear from you! We have missed you like crazy in Young Women's. I'm glad the treatment wasn't too awful. We've had you in our thoughts and prayers. It was pretty interesting hearing all the different versions of what was going on! What are you going to do now that you aren't radioactive?
Oh Candace...what an adventure you have been through! You are an amazing person. You have kept such a positive attitude the whole time. I am glad that you are doing well. You are still in our prayers!!
Glad to hear evertything went okay...you are so amazing and have such a great attitude.Do you have to do the treatment again? or do they think you are in the clear? Thank you for the sweet thank you card, wish you the best :)
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